By Betsefy
Manchester City, Chelsea and Barcelona have reportedly joined the ever-growing list of clubs hoping to sign Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko.
The 2004-born striker – who turns 18 on Sunday – has established himself as a prolific member of the Black and Yellows’ first team despite his tender age.
Moukoko has already hit an impressive six goals and six assists in 22 games in all competitions this season, with all of his strikes coming in 14 outings in the Bundesliga.
Following several goal-laden campaigns at youth level – including an astonishing 90 goals in just 56 games for the Under-17s – Moukoko was promoted to the Dortmund first team and has recorded 11 goals and eight assists in 59 senior games for the German giants.
The 17-year-old has been rewarded for his rapid rise with a place in the Germany squad for the 2022 World Cup, with Die Mannschaft taking on Spain, Costa Rica and Japan in Group E.
© Reuters
However, Dortmund are now facing the prospect of losing Moukoko on a free transfer next summer after the attacker entered the final year of his contract at the Westfalenstadion.
With talks over a renewal thought to be stalling, the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United are thought to be keeping a close eye on developments.
Now, journalist Nicolo Schira adds that a host of other clubs have now thrown their hat into the ring, with Chelsea, Man City, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain among them.
While Dortmund are yet to agree a renewal with Moukoko, Schira adds that the German club are still holding out hope of tying him down to a new deal until the summer of 2027.
Should Edin Terzic‘s side fail to do so before January, Moukoko will be free to enter pre-contract negotiations with foreign clubs as the speculation surrounding his future hots up.
© Reuters
Dortmund could therefore come under pressure to sell the teenager in January lest they risk losing one of Europe’s most highly-rated attacking youngsters on a free transfer in the summer.
A separate report from German outlet Bild – via The Mirror – claims that Dortmund would potentially be willing to do business around the £26.2m mark for Moukoko should it become clear that he will not sign a new contract.
Furthermore, the German is understood to be after a yearly wage packet of £6m from interested parties, who will have their eye on him during the upcoming World Cup in Qatar.
Moukoko also holds the honour of being the Bundesliga’s youngest-ever player, having made his debut one day after his 16th birthday against Hertha Berlin in November 2020, replacing Erling Braut Haaland.
